Priory Country Park is a former gravel pits located on the South East edge of Bedford, adjacent to the River Great Ouse. Find us at Barkers Lane off A428, or in Priory Business Park off A421 Bedford bypass. Admission is Free with access to the Visitor centre and 2 hides, one overlooking the main lake and one on the Finger lakes. You will find Winter wildfowl, passage terns and waders, and Water Rail all year.

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Thursday, April 01, 2010

31st March 2010: Labyrinth centrepiece installed

Priory Park's Labyrinth has been completed by the installation of the central piece of artwork: a 2 m diameter marble maze, mirroring the design of the Labyrinth itself. This tiltable artwork should provide a challenge for Priory's younger visitors: can they guide the two cricket-ball sized wooden 'marbles' to the centre of the maze.

The artwork's installation was challenging enough: echoes of Its a Knockout as the parts of the maze - the maze itself and its glass top - were manouevred into position, passing through the gaps in the Labyrinth towards the centre. Getting the glass through without scratching or damaging it saw three of the Rangers and Susannah Oliver (the artwork's designer) carefully attaching and removing glass carrying handles (the ones with the suckers on each end) as it (and we) passed through the gaps.

The picture shows Susannah with the finished piece. The maze itself is decorated with images taken from designs drawn by local school children and echo some of those now seen on the outside of the Labyrinth itself.

The Labyrinth will be further complemented later this year with the installation of a natural play area close by. Current plans include a large mound with slide from which the Labyrinth (and the wider park) can be viewed. Work has already started on opening up an area of woodland near the back of the Labyrinth and further works are scheduled for later in the year.

Volunteer Group Programme

If you cannot join us for the whole day feel free to come along when you can, all help is appreciated.

November 5th 9am - 3pm

December 3rd 9am - 3pm

January 7th 9am - 3pm

February 4th 9am - 3pm

March 4th 9am - 3pm

April 1st 9am - 3pm

Please note that the Priory Rangers may have to cancel a task day at short notice if the health and safety of volunteers cannot be ensured.

Under 17s MUST be accompanied by an adult. All training and tools provided by the Rangers. You will need: stout footwear (trainers not acceptable), suitable outdoors clothing, and a packed lunch. Tea and biscuits provided.

Volunteers will be asked to leave if inappropriate clothing and footwear is worn, or health and safety instructions are not followed.